Manchester United’s season now rests on one game, the Europa League final. Failure to clinch a top four place means in order to be a part of next season’s Champions League campaign they will have to beat Ajax in the Europa League final on the 24th of May.
After back to back defeats to Arsenal and Tottenham, United will be keen to show some winning in the remaining two games of the season. Mourinho will want to give some of the fringe players a chance to stake a claim for a first team place next season, but will be needed a couple of positive results to take some confidence into the Europa League final.
United will be facing up against Southampton away from home on Wednesday night. Southampton will be looking to get one over on Man Utd – Mourinho’s side beat them 2-0 in the reverse fixture and beat the Saints the EFL Cup final. However, United will be without Zlatan Ibrahimovic who has netted four times against Southampton this season.
Whether Marcus Rashford will feature in Wednesday night’s game is a question that remains to be answered. It is unlikely that Mourinho will risk the young striker picking up an injury just a week before the Europa League final. In recent weeks, Anthony Martial has led the front line and will most likely do so for the remaining games of the season. With three games in quick succession, inclusive of the final, Mourinho is likely to keep his key players away from the remaining Premier League games after an injury struck season.
On Sunday, Man Utd suffered their second defeat in a row at the hand of Tottenham. United went into the game as outsiders and were dealt a 2-1 defeat. Wayne Rooney managed to get himself on the scoresheet. After spending a huge chunk of the season on the sidelines, Rooney will likely feature in the remaining Premier League games this season. He is currently priced at 6/1 to get the first goal on Wednesday night and 7/4 to get on the scoresheet.
The bookies are split for the midweek game, both Southampton and Man Utd are priced at 33/20 to pick up the maximum points. The draw can be backed at 11/5. Given Man Utd’s recent form and tendency to draw 1-1 this season, the draw looks to be good value. The 1-1 draw is priced at 5/1.
(Prices From Bet on Brazil – odds may fluctuate)
